9 Night Greek Isles Cruise: Venice to Venice

Island-hop your way through the romantic Greek Isles and explore the shimmering waterways around the Mediterranean. On the Norwegian Star, cruise passengers can immerse themselves in the charms of Venice, explore the islands of Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos and meet up with the amazing mosaics in Ravenna, Italy. On board, nestle in your cabin for a nice nap or lounge poolside with a cocktail.

Please see left bar for ship details and cruise info.

On your 10 day cruise, you will not only enjoy the delights of cruising but will also spend time in the remarkable city of Venice. Once on board, you can participate in a shore excursion to either the quaint city of Padua or have an in-depth tour of Venice with its wonderful canals and old neighbourhoods. Sail in the evening and spend the whole of the next day enjoying the facilities of your cruise ship.

Arrive the following morning in the lush island of Corfu, one of the Ionian Islands with its old town and numerous historical sites. You can stroll through the maze of narrow cobbled streets, and passages or simply sit at a sidewalk café and have a beverage. Or you can choose from three shore excursions. One is to the charming village of Gastourian and the Achilleion Palace returning to visit Corfu’s old town. The second one is a tour of the island with visits to a distillery making liquor from kumquats and a monastery. The third is a tour of Corfu, the palace and lunch in a local tavern with live entertainment.

Sail on to Santorini arriving the next day, an island that epitomizes the Greek island you might imagine as archetypal with its white-washed houses and churches and blue sky. Your choice of shore excursions includes a tour to Akrotiri, an ancient city dating back to the Minoan civilization (2700–1420 BC) which was rediscovered only 50 years ago when it was found under the volcanic ash from an earthquake in the 1600’s BC. Also enjoy a wine tasting. Other choices are a Greek-style celebration of food, wine and dancing in Oia, a very pretty village situated high on top of a cliff overlooking the sea or a visit to a well-known, quality winery and the beautiful village of Oia.

After another overnight, arrive in Mykonos of the Cyclades group of islands. The main town of Mykonos, also known as Chora, is very picturesque with its maze of narrow streets and harbour area. The streets are full of shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants. You can choose here to have a trip to the nearby island of Delos mythical birthplace of the Goddess Artemis and God Apollo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a tour of Mykonos island with its stunning scenic beauty comprised of windmills, sparkling bays, superb beaches, white houses and churches with their colorful blue and red domes or hop in a jeep and drive through the rugged terrain of Mykonos to the old lighthouse with a stop at Kalafatis Beach for a refreshing swim.

The next day is a full day at sea followed by arrival the next morning in the historic town of Ravenna on the north east coast of Italy. At first glance, the old streets, peaceful squares and fine shops resemble any other Italian city, but the Byzantine domes of its churches still evoke its Eastern heritage. Here it is almost essential to see some of the world’s most impressive Byzantine mosaics which adorn the walls and ceilings of Ravenna’s 6th-century basilicas and mausoleums. Other choices are a visit to the lagoon town of Comacchio and to a family-owned farm and winery for a taste of its distinctively fruity wines or a visit to the World Heritage Site Town of Ferrara, a city architecturally and historically important.

Your last day of cruising brings you back to Venice where you can finish off your itinerary with more time spent in the city on a tour which includes the Doges' Palace, the Basilica di San Marco, named for St. Mark and the Venetian Lagoon to take in spectacular views of Venice on your way to the airport.

Ruzzini Palace Hotel

In the 18th century, this Venice palace was home to one of the city's most prominent families, including doge Carlo Ruzzini. Renovated by renowned architect Bartolomeo Manopola, the building is now the luxurious Ruzzini Palace Hotel Venice. Overlooking the square of the Church of Santa Maria Formosa, the hotel is centrally located within walking distance to most of Venice's most popular attractions, including St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. Experience all this while living like an aristocrat in dramatic Venetian style.

Ruzzini Palace Hotel

In the 18th century, this Venice palace was home to one of the city's most prominent families, including doge Carlo Ruzzini. Renovated by renowned architect Bartolomeo Manopola, the building is now the luxurious Ruzzini Palace Hotel Venice. Overlooking the square of the Church of Santa ...

In the 18th century, this Venice palace was home to one of the city's most prominent families, including doge Carlo Ruzzini. Renovated by renowned architect Bartolomeo Manopola, the building is now the luxurious Ruzzini Palace Hotel Venice. Overlooking the square of the Church of Santa Maria Formosa, the hotel is centrally located within walking distance to most of Venice's most popular attractions, including St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. Experience all this while living like an aristocrat in dramatic Venetian style.

Venice, Italy

Embark - 17:00

You could start a discussion about Venice by praising its restaurants, wine bars, marble churches or blown glass. But you probably won't. You'll likely start with the fact that Venice is built on water. It is a place where people either float slowly down palace-lined man-made waterways or stroll down narrow alleyways. There's no more extraordinary place to find yourself, or lose yourself. Be sure to stay in Venice before your next European cruise.

Facilities

Photo gallery

Kotor, Montenegro

Arrive - 14:00, Depart - 20:00

Tucked away between the mountains and the Bay of Kotor, one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea, is where you'll find the picturesque town of Kotor. As you arrive at this secluded city, you'll notice the dramatic 65-foot high protective walls, which date back to the Venetian period during the 9th century. Stroll the labyrinth of cobbled streets with cozy cafes and craft shops as you marvel the graceful old buildings. Listed as a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site, Kotor is also world-famous as a premier yachting and sailing destination.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day5

Corfu, Greece

Arrive - 10:00, Depart - 16:00

One of the lushest of the Greek Isles, Corfu is rimmed in dramatic blue waters and topped with tranquil hillside villages. A collection of quaint cafes in the town of Corfu feels very continental, but the island's secluded coves and sandy beaches could only be found in the Greek Isles. Explore more of Corfu on a European cruise!

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day6

Santorini, Greece

Arrive - 14:00, Depart - 22:00

Whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made the volcanic island of Santorini one of the most widely photographed places in the world. The island's charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day7

Mykonos, Greece

Arrive - 8:00, Depart - 15:00

Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you'll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day8

Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece

Arrive - 9:00, Depart - 15:00

Looking at picturesque Argostoli, you wouldn't know it suffered a devastating earthquake in 1953. The city and its surrounding area are full of treasures, including a 12th-century Byzantine cathedral and beautiful 16th century frescoes. And the nearby underground Lake of Melissani is simply magical. Enter the caves to find ancient stalactites, and marvel at the scattered rays of light beaming through, turning the water an intense blue.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day9

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Arrive - 7:30, Depart - 13:30

Despite the magnificent 13th century walls that surround the city, Dubrovnik is one of the most welcoming cruise destinations in all of Europe. Dubbed “the pearl of the Adriatic” by the poet, Lord Byron, this Croatian city exudes romantic charm and beautiful scenery with its shimmering marble streets, centuries-old buildings capped by bright orange roofs, and lovely beaches ensconced between awesome rocky ledges. Explore more of Dubrovnik on a European cruise!

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day10

Venice, Italy

Disembark - 8:00

You could start a discussion about Venice by praising its restaurants, wine bars, marble churches or blown glass. But you probably won't. You'll likely start with the fact that Venice is built on water. It is a place where people either float slowly down palace-lined man-made waterways or stroll down narrow alleyways. There's no more extraordinary place to find yourself, or lose yourself. Be sure to stay in Venice before your next European cruise.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.